the state Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Michael James Laney...
the state Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Michael James Laney, saying the judge failed to tell jurors that a life sentence meant the man was ineligible for parole.
the state Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of Michael James Laney, saying the judge failed to tell jurors that a life sentence meant the man was ineligible for parole.
Laney, 37, was sentenced to death in 2001 after being convicted of killing 86-year-old Dorothy Hancock and her 82-year-old neighbor Thelma Godfrey in September 2000.
In his appeal, Laney's attorneys argued that the trial judge should have told jurors that a life sentence in the case would mean that Laney would not be eligible for parole. The Supreme Court agreed, saying the instructions were necessary because prosecutors raised the issue of Laney's future danger to society should he be released.
Laney, 37, was sentenced to death in 2001 after being convicted of killing 86-year-old Dorothy Hancock and her 82-year-old neighbor Thelma Godfrey in September 2000.
In his appeal, Laney's attorneys argued that the trial judge should have told jurors that a life sentence in the case would mean that Laney would not be eligible for parole. The Supreme Court agreed, saying the instructions were necessary because prosecutors raised the issue of Laney's future danger to society should he be released.
— SOURCES
- (Sources: Associated Press, 07/03/2006)